Attorney General's News Release

March 28, 2008

Georgia woman involved in online identity theft from Bolivar resident sentenced to four years in prison

Bolivar, Mo. — A Georgia woman involved in the online identity theft of a Bolivar resident’s personal information that was then used to purchase more than $3,000 worth of electronic equipment was sentenced today to four years in prison. Attorney General Jay Nixon and Polk County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Davolt prosecuted the charge of identity theft against Diane Elaine Johnson, of Savannah. The Bolivar Police Department assisted with the case.

Johnson (DOB – 8/15/68) pleaded guilty on Jan. 24 after she admitted to receiving three digital cameras worth $3,637 that were purchased online using the victim’s personal information. Johnson then shipped the merchandise to a home in south Florida. Nixon said the victim was not out any money because of the identity theft.

Associate Circuit Judge Don Cheever today sentenced Johnson to four years in the Department of Corrections. The judge suspended execution of the sentence and placed her on five years supervised probation.

Nixon reminded Missourians that they can reduce the possibility of identity theft by following several precautions:

• Never give out personal information by phone or online unless you have initiated the contact;
• Leave your Social Security number off your checks and driver’s license;
• Send sensitive mail (including bill payments) using a secure mailbox, such as a post office drop box;
• Shred paperwork with personal information (receipts, bank statements, etc.) before putting in the trash;
• Check monthly financial statements and credit reports carefully for incorrect entries; and
• Make sure credit and debit card receipts show only the last five numbers of your account, a requirement of Missouri law.

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Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818